Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Updating the Maps of France, Monaco, and Luxembourg
Today we announced changes to the data that powers Google Maps API Premier in France, Monaco and Luxembourg. We’ve already started using data from a variety of authoritative sources in the United States, Canada, and in Europe, Africa and the Pacific.
The new base maps will have greater features such as expanded geocoding coverage, more detailed bodies of water, university campuses and postal code coverage – all leading to better, more accurate maps for your employees and customers. As Google Enterprise customers, you can also now share direct feedback about our maps in these areas by using the "Report a Problem" tool in the lower right corner of the map – leading to quicker updates overall. We highly recommended that you re-geocode all of your data to take advantage of the new updated data.
Learn more about the Google Maps API Premier at google.com/enterprise/maps.
Blogging Will Be Minimal Until Further Notice
[Update 6/1/11] The Geek Squad are my new heroes, 24 hrs and I am back up and running.... well until motherboard blows.... lol[End Update]
Individual contributors will still be posting here at Wake up America but my computer sparked and died an instant death today. Will be back to blogging regularly when/if I get it fixed and if it is not fixable, then when I get another computer.
Susan Duclos
Individual contributors will still be posting here at Wake up America but my computer sparked and died an instant death today. Will be back to blogging regularly when/if I get it fixed and if it is not fixable, then when I get another computer.
Susan Duclos
Jews, Obama, 2012, DLFs, and DJLFs
Despite Obama attacking Israel, liberal Jews will still blindly support him in 2012 because they are DJLFs.
http://www.tygrrrrexpress.com/2011/05/jews-obama-2012-dlfs-and-djlfs/
eric aka the Tygrrrr Express
http://www.tygrrrrexpress.com/2011/05/jews-obama-2012-dlfs-and-djlfs/
eric aka the Tygrrrr Express
More debate on borders & international law
The following is part of my exchange with "Bob Dylan" (an alias), a vociferous critic of Israel, whose arguments, nonetheless, I take seriously. We engaged with each other at the Tikkun Daily blog, where he attacked my critique of Norman Finkelstein and others who, in my opinion, rely rigidly and dogmatically on what they interpret as international law, rather than a negotiated resolution.
As I indicated to "Dylan," I actually would like to see the IDF withdraw its protection from outlying settlements, but I know that this will never happen within the heavily populated settlement blocs contiguous with Green Line Israel. Nor will this happen in parts of East Jerusalem where 200,000 Jews now live and where ordinary (non-fanatic) Israeli Jews have resided for 30 to 40 years. Israel will not risk civil war to coerce 400,000 Jews to abandon homes they've lived in for decades, and to leave areas that most Israelis want to see recognized as part of Israel within a two-state agreement. There needs to be a negotiated territorial compromise in these places.
One should not be overly rigid in applying international law. The application of any law is generally subject to discretion. Police are given some discretion when it comes to enforcing certain laws (e.g., J walking, marijuana); prosecutors exercise some discretion in deciding when to prosecute; and judges usually have the right to exercise discretion in sentencing (even leaving aside that huge matter of interpreting the law). And politics often trumps law, especially when we are dealing with sovereign states (which are armed) rather than non-sovereign individuals. Furthermore, the interpretation of international law is more contentious and therefore more problematic than law in general.
I don’t favor endless negotiations and I would like to see a very assertive international community pressure both sides to come to an agreement. Yet, like it or not, only a mutually agreed upon resolution can bring this conflict to an end in a peaceful way. It will not be decided in a court of law.
Bob Dylan says:
As I indicated to "Dylan," I actually would like to see the IDF withdraw its protection from outlying settlements, but I know that this will never happen within the heavily populated settlement blocs contiguous with Green Line Israel. Nor will this happen in parts of East Jerusalem where 200,000 Jews now live and where ordinary (non-fanatic) Israeli Jews have resided for 30 to 40 years. Israel will not risk civil war to coerce 400,000 Jews to abandon homes they've lived in for decades, and to leave areas that most Israelis want to see recognized as part of Israel within a two-state agreement. There needs to be a negotiated territorial compromise in these places.
One should not be overly rigid in applying international law. The application of any law is generally subject to discretion. Police are given some discretion when it comes to enforcing certain laws (e.g., J walking, marijuana); prosecutors exercise some discretion in deciding when to prosecute; and judges usually have the right to exercise discretion in sentencing (even leaving aside that huge matter of interpreting the law). And politics often trumps law, especially when we are dealing with sovereign states (which are armed) rather than non-sovereign individuals. Furthermore, the interpretation of international law is more contentious and therefore more problematic than law in general.
I don’t favor endless negotiations and I would like to see a very assertive international community pressure both sides to come to an agreement. Yet, like it or not, only a mutually agreed upon resolution can bring this conflict to an end in a peaceful way. It will not be decided in a court of law.
Bob Dylan says:
*Obviously I’m using this name because it is somewhat dangerous to criticize Israel in American society.*
Mr. Seliger, I must say your position seems rigid and ideological. “Only a mutually agreed upon resolution…It will not be decided in a court of law.” Well that’s a perfect recipe for never ending the conflict. Israel is never going to agree to anything and after the disgraceful performance of the U.S. Congress today (what was it? 29 standing ovations for Netanyahu? Israeli troops in the Jordan Valley! Applause. Jerusalem will never be divided! Applause. Hamas and al Qaeda are the same thing! Applause.) it’s clear that the United States is simply not capable of, or interested in, being anything other than Israel’s uncritical protector.
What evidence do you have that could convince any rational being that negotiations have any prospect of success? Netanyahu told Congress today that Israel doesn’t want peace. He announced that the only concession Israel might make in the future (not now of course) is to allow the Palestinians a sliver of Palestine that they can call a state if they like once Israel takes the parts of the West Bank it wants. Congress responds by applauding him as if he’s Jesus. It was a scene right out of North Korea. The Palestinians would be insane to continue within the U.S. negotiation framework.
We’re not talking about two equal parties. We’re talking about an Israeli state that is immensely powerful, that has successfully wiped most of Palestine off the map, that is continuing to integrate the West Bank into Israel, that is ruled by political parties opposed to the establishment of a Palestinian state, that is a nuclear power, and a state that has the “unshakeable” backing of the most powerful state in human history. What power do the Palestinians have? Their only option is to take the case international! The only thing they have is international law! Negotiating with the U.S. and Israel DOES NOT WORK. It’s over. The negotiations are a U.S.-sponsored public relations campaign, nothing more. The Palestine Papers and a million other sources reveal the contempt with which the U.S. and Israel hold the Palestinians and it’s high time this dispute is internationalized. You said yourself you’d like to see “a very assertive international community pressure both sides.” That’s what the United Nations is for. ...
.... Netanyahu said Israel is NOT a foreign occupier because of the 4,000 year connection between the Jewish people and the land of Israel. He’s insinuating that the “painful concession” he’s willing to make is to allow the Palestinians a couple of inches of “Eretz Israel.” I’m sorry Mr. Seliger but you need some international law to go up against that sort of rejectionism and defiance. You need an International Court of Justice and a United Nations to say, “No Mr. Netanyahu, the whole of Gaza, the whole of the West Bank, and the whole of East Jerusalem are Occupied Palestinian Territories to which Israel, as the occupying power, has no rights, only responsibilities.”
Today Netanyahu and the U.S. Congress dug there heels in and said “bring it on” (they were also saying f*** you to Barack Obama and his 1967 borders heresy). They know there’s a fight coming in September. On one side is the Palestinians, international law, and virtually every government and people in the world. On the other side is Israel and the United States in splendid isolation in support of settlements, occupation, and rejection of the long-standing international consensus of a two-state solution on the 1967 borders. If Israel doesn’t agree to a Palestinian state soon it’s looking at a prolonged anti-apartheid struggle and the probable eventual destruction of Israel as a Jewish state. The court of law solution might not be all that bad Mr. Seliger. Green Line Israel is 78% of Palestine; that’s a pretty good deal for the Jews.Ralph Seliger says:
Mr. Dylan’s anti-Israel argumentation illustrates how Netanyahu’s refusal to accommodate legitimate Palestinian national aspirations is as bad for Israel as it is the Palestinians; although I can debate some of Mr. Dylan’s points [I've omitted his outrageous expression of support for a comment by someone else that Israel's very existence is "a crime"], much of his basic thrust is what the dovish and progressive pro-Israel camp has been arguing all along. Yet it’s precisely because of Israel’s power and its alliance with the United States, that it’s hard to see a Palestinian appeal to the UN as breaking the impasse; still, the Palestinians are welcome to try.
Dylan and other vituperative critics of Israel ignore the poisonous dynamics of how Israelis and Palestinians have interacted with each other over time. It’s tragic that the Olmert-Abbas negotiations broke down prematurely as a result of Olmert’s legal difficulties and the war with Hamas, after coming agonizingly close to success (as recently documented by Bernard Avishai in the NY Times). Also, the launching of the bloody second intifada (hard on the heels of the peace process of the 1990s) and the rise of Hamas in Gaza (following Israel’s complete withdrawal in 2005) [not to mention the thousands of rockets fired from Gaza into Israel since] are examples of how the Palestinians have contributed to the problem, undermining the confidence of most Israelis in making further concessions. The first led to Sharon’s election in 2001, while the second set the stage for Netanyahu’s comeback in 2009.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Community reaching out to help Burmese refugees fit in
Burmnese refugees are being helped by their Iowa community; learning English and how to live there. - - Donna Poisl
By ANDREW WIND and JOHN MOLSEED
WATERLOO, Iowa --- Ber Wah gets an immediate critique from her instructor after writing the letter "v" on the blackboard twice.
Marina Durinova, who is teaching English to Wah and three other Burmese refugees, explains that the two similar-sized letters --- one of which is supposed to be a capital "v" --- are too much alike. Wah looks uncertain, but erases the letters and tries again.
With the letters still not quite right, she gets further explanation from Durinova and some advice in Burmese from classmates. After parallel lines are drawn to guide her effort, the young woman finally understands the difference between the two and writes a proper capital and small "v."
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By ANDREW WIND and JOHN MOLSEED
WATERLOO, Iowa --- Ber Wah gets an immediate critique from her instructor after writing the letter "v" on the blackboard twice.
Marina Durinova, who is teaching English to Wah and three other Burmese refugees, explains that the two similar-sized letters --- one of which is supposed to be a capital "v" --- are too much alike. Wah looks uncertain, but erases the letters and tries again.
With the letters still not quite right, she gets further explanation from Durinova and some advice in Burmese from classmates. After parallel lines are drawn to guide her effort, the young woman finally understands the difference between the two and writes a proper capital and small "v."
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Democratic bill seeks green card status for soldiers’ kin
This bill would give our soldiers on active duty one less thing to worry about while they are away. - - Donna Poisl
by Erik Shilling / The Record (Hackensack N.J.)
HACKENSACK, N.J. - Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey and seven other Democratic senators reintroduced legislation last week that would grant permanent-resident status to the immigrant relatives of active-duty military personnel.
The Military Families Act would make immigrant parents, spouses and children of anyone who has served in the armed forces since 2001 permanent residents. The bill, which was reintroduced Thursday, also would cover the immigrant relatives of those who have died while serving in the military.
"We owe the men and women who risk their lives in service of our nation so much, and that should include the right to be united with their closest family members in our country on a permanent basis," Menendez said of the bill.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
by Erik Shilling / The Record (Hackensack N.J.)
HACKENSACK, N.J. - Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey and seven other Democratic senators reintroduced legislation last week that would grant permanent-resident status to the immigrant relatives of active-duty military personnel.
The Military Families Act would make immigrant parents, spouses and children of anyone who has served in the armed forces since 2001 permanent residents. The bill, which was reintroduced Thursday, also would cover the immigrant relatives of those who have died while serving in the military.
"We owe the men and women who risk their lives in service of our nation so much, and that should include the right to be united with their closest family members in our country on a permanent basis," Menendez said of the bill.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Immigrants need individualized services in domestic violence cases, experts say
This conference in Louisville is trying to improve help to victims of domestic and sexual violence among immigrants and refugees. - - Donna Poisl
Written by Peter Smith
Laura Carmona said that after she came to the United States from Mexico about 14 years ago, she would call police or other emergency responders to seek protection from an abusive partner.
But she didn't speak English and couldn't reach anyone who understood what she was saying.
When she finally reached a Spanish speaker at the Center for Women and Families, she said, she was able to start the long process of moving away from her abuser, learning English and starting a new job and creating a safe environment for her children.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Written by Peter Smith
Laura Carmona said that after she came to the United States from Mexico about 14 years ago, she would call police or other emergency responders to seek protection from an abusive partner.
But she didn't speak English and couldn't reach anyone who understood what she was saying.
When she finally reached a Spanish speaker at the Center for Women and Families, she said, she was able to start the long process of moving away from her abuser, learning English and starting a new job and creating a safe environment for her children.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Ga. gov requests inquiry into farm labor shortage after state approves immigration crackdown
The new law this governor signed, barring most immigrant labor, has created hardship for his residents. Farmers have pushed for help. - - Donna Poisl
by RAY HENRY Associated Press
ATLANTA — Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal has asked agriculture officials to assess complaints of farm labor shortages after he signed one of the toughest laws in the country targeting illegal immigrants, including those who help harvest the state's fruit and vegetable crops.
The letter sent Thursday asks Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black to report his findings by June 10.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
by RAY HENRY Associated Press
ATLANTA — Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal has asked agriculture officials to assess complaints of farm labor shortages after he signed one of the toughest laws in the country targeting illegal immigrants, including those who help harvest the state's fruit and vegetable crops.
The letter sent Thursday asks Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black to report his findings by June 10.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Nashville sees boom in Hispanic-owned businesses
Nashville has a very large immigrant population and a high percentage have started businesses there. - - Donna Poisl
by G. Chambers Williams III | The Tennessean
Maria Ramos, Karla Ruiz and Fernando Maldonado all came to Nashville from their native Mexico, looking for the American dream – owning their own businesses and creating a good future for their families.
Today, the three have realized that ambition, joining a growing number of immigrant entrepreneurs, not only from Mexico and other Latin American countries but from other nations as well, who have started their own businesses here.
Nashville is a good place for immigrants to go into business, according to Forbes magazine, which recently ranked the city as No. 3 among the nation’s best metropolitan areas for minority entrepreneurs.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
by G. Chambers Williams III | The Tennessean
Maria Ramos, Karla Ruiz and Fernando Maldonado all came to Nashville from their native Mexico, looking for the American dream – owning their own businesses and creating a good future for their families.
Today, the three have realized that ambition, joining a growing number of immigrant entrepreneurs, not only from Mexico and other Latin American countries but from other nations as well, who have started their own businesses here.
Nashville is a good place for immigrants to go into business, according to Forbes magazine, which recently ranked the city as No. 3 among the nation’s best metropolitan areas for minority entrepreneurs.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Federal Immigration Agency to Launch Campaign Promoting Naturalization Application
There are almost eight million people eligible to apply for citizenship, this new campaign will help them do that. - - Donna Poisl
from HispanicallySpeakingNews.com
Wanting to encourage the millions of eligible immigrants in the U.S. to become citizens, the federal government will be running a national advertising campaign, which they hope will assist immigrants in becoming more integrated into society.
The campaign is directed at the 7.9 million immigrants able to file application to naturalize, but have yet to do so. Immigration officials said most immigrants with green cards only worry about citizenship when they need to travel abroad or when they wish to vote in elections, but cannot.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
from HispanicallySpeakingNews.com
Wanting to encourage the millions of eligible immigrants in the U.S. to become citizens, the federal government will be running a national advertising campaign, which they hope will assist immigrants in becoming more integrated into society.
The campaign is directed at the 7.9 million immigrants able to file application to naturalize, but have yet to do so. Immigration officials said most immigrants with green cards only worry about citizenship when they need to travel abroad or when they wish to vote in elections, but cannot.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
ACLU And NILC File Lawsuit Challenging Indiana’s Draconian Anti-Immigrant Law
PRESS RELEASE
INDIANAPOLIS--(ENEWSPF)--May 26, 2011. The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana, the ACLU, the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) and the law firm of Lewis & Kappes, P.C. filed a class action lawsuit yesterday challenging a discriminatory Indiana law inspired by Arizona’s notorious SB 1070. The lawsuit charges the law authorizes police to make warrantless arrests of individuals based on assumed immigration status and criminalizes the mere use or acceptance of the commonly used consular ID card. The groups charge that the law will lead to racial profiling and trample upon the rights of all Indiana residents.
“Indiana has created a law that not only tramples on the constitutional rights of Hoosiers, but also improperly involves Indiana in areas that are clearly of federal, not state, concerns,” said Ken Falk, legal director of the ACLU of Indiana.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
INDIANAPOLIS--(ENEWSPF)--May 26, 2011. The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana, the ACLU, the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) and the law firm of Lewis & Kappes, P.C. filed a class action lawsuit yesterday challenging a discriminatory Indiana law inspired by Arizona’s notorious SB 1070. The lawsuit charges the law authorizes police to make warrantless arrests of individuals based on assumed immigration status and criminalizes the mere use or acceptance of the commonly used consular ID card. The groups charge that the law will lead to racial profiling and trample upon the rights of all Indiana residents.
“Indiana has created a law that not only tramples on the constitutional rights of Hoosiers, but also improperly involves Indiana in areas that are clearly of federal, not state, concerns,” said Ken Falk, legal director of the ACLU of Indiana.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Immigrant women face high levels of harassment, and most never report it.
Sexual harassment of immigrant women is rarely reported, since they are afraid they will be deported. - - Donna Poisl
By BETSY REED
There is evidence that the majority of women immigrants in the United States experience some form of sexual harassment or coercion on the job, and very few of them come forward.
In one recent study of 150 immigrant women working in the food industry conducted by the Southern Poverty Law Center, titled “Injustice On Our Plates,” every single one – yes, that is 100 percent – reported some kind of workplace sexual harassment, and for the majority, this involved a sexual assault. According to SPLC’s Senior Staff Attorney Mónica Ramirez, most did not know they had any legal recourse. Only a few reported it.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By BETSY REED
There is evidence that the majority of women immigrants in the United States experience some form of sexual harassment or coercion on the job, and very few of them come forward.
In one recent study of 150 immigrant women working in the food industry conducted by the Southern Poverty Law Center, titled “Injustice On Our Plates,” every single one – yes, that is 100 percent – reported some kind of workplace sexual harassment, and for the majority, this involved a sexual assault. According to SPLC’s Senior Staff Attorney Mónica Ramirez, most did not know they had any legal recourse. Only a few reported it.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
The Brilliance Of Sarah Palin: Confusing The 'Lame Stream' Media
"Congratulations, Sarah Palin, you have turned the Washington press corps into a bunch of paparazzi stalking your every move." – Jay Newton-Small
I am not sure if Sarah Palin will announce a run for the presidency in 2012 or not. I am also not sure if I would vote for her if she does. What I am sure of is that Sarah Palin is nothing the political world has ever seen before and has the media running in circles and confused. Although, if they had an ounce of sense they would understand instinctively what the rest of us do.... Palin is brilliant, unconventional and is playing the media like a fine tuned piano.
The old "lame-stream media" is confused because Palin announced a "bus tour" for her and her family, yet didn't give a set schedule. They are upset she hasn't given them the chance to dog her footsteps and question her at each stop just so they can edit her answers and spin their stories the way they want to.
In the meantime she gives insider scoops to those she chooses and the rest spin, talk, complain and create media buzz and speculate the only way they can...... by running around behind the news, reporting events after the fact.
The media seems peeved that the only straight up original news is found at SarahPac, where the donation buttons are prominent and she can get people to sign on for her email list giving her a bigger pool of email subscribers.
Yes, all this is too confusing for the media outlets to understand... right. Let us not even mention the stories that have the information wrong where even their corrections screw the whole story up...no, we will leave that to Conservatives4Palin to point out.
Palin has them all running in circles, fighting to keep up and failing miserably.
Palin is not only getting all the media attention she wants, she is doing it on her terms. She is showing everyone, very clearly just how "lame" the lame stream media has become.
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Obama Gets Low Marks From Vets And Active Military
Quick link to the Gallup poll which finds that Barack Obama, Commander-in-Chief, gets lower marks from Veterans and Active Military members than the overall civilian population.
Noel Sheppard over at NewsBusters seems to get the irony of the Gallup poll timing considering that just this weekend Time magazine's Joe Klein tried to float the idea that Obama has a better relationship with the military than George Bush did.
BlackFive explains the "Cognitive dissonance" between people like Klein and, well, reality.
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Noel Sheppard over at NewsBusters seems to get the irony of the Gallup poll timing considering that just this weekend Time magazine's Joe Klein tried to float the idea that Obama has a better relationship with the military than George Bush did.
BlackFive explains the "Cognitive dissonance" between people like Klein and, well, reality.
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Memorial Day 2011--Honor the fallen
A peaceful Memorial Day to all as we honor our fallen soldiers.
http://www.tygrrrrexpress.com/2011/05/honor-the-fallen-on-memorial-day-2011/
eric aka the Tygrrrr Express
http://www.tygrrrrexpress.com/2011/05/honor-the-fallen-on-memorial-day-2011/
eric aka the Tygrrrr Express
Memorial Day Heartbreak: In memory of Howard Langer
On this Memorial Day, I am eulogizing my former college professor Howard Langer. He was a fantastic human being who was loved by all. He left us way too soon. God bless you Howard forever.
http://www.tygrrrrexpress.com/2011/05/memorial-day-heartbreak-in-memory-of-howard-langer/
eric aka the Tygrrrr Express
http://www.tygrrrrexpress.com/2011/05/memorial-day-heartbreak-in-memory-of-howard-langer/
eric aka the Tygrrrr Express
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Developing Closer Relationships with Bible Colleges & Seminaries
One of my aims in the coming months is to continue to develop my relationship with Bible Colleges and Seminaries around the world. I hope do do this in a number of ways:
1) A large number of organisations currently allow me to use their logos and weblinks on my site homepages under the heading "Site supported and recommended by:". This does not imply financial support (see 3 below) or that the organisation necessarily endorses all the content on the sites, simply that it considers the sites useful to its students. If you have the authority to grant permission for an organisational logo to be used in this way please contact me.
2) Many Bible College/Seminary websites list on-line resources that they recommend to their students. I would like to encourage more to link to the Theology on the Web sites. I would also like to see their library pages linking the the tables of contents of online journals. Many of these journals are not available elsewhere on-line and are now difficult to find in paper copies.
3) Very few colleges are currently in a position to consider either sponsorship or advertising on the sites, but I would be very happy to hear from those who could. I currently have only 3 people who support financially the sites regularly - out of around 1 million visitors per annum. Building a healthy foundation of regular financial support is vital the the Project's future. I have more than enough material being offered to me for digitisation to go full time. I currently work on the sites in my spare time in addition to my full-time job. For those not in a position to support financially there are a number of other options.
The Republican Messaging Problem
We find it amazing that the Democrats and the mass media are not making a big deal out of how much trouble the Republicans are in at the moment. Even liberal leaning pundits seem to think that the Bin Laden bounce for Obama has run its course. We do not know where they get this idea because we cannot find one poll that is not positive for Obama and they actually are getting stronger for Obama with every passing day. If the presidential election were to be held now, Obama would be a shoo-in.
Now it is true that the Democrats and the media tried to convince the public that the special election held in New York's district 26 showed that the Ryan budget plan is the kiss of death for the Republicans in 2012 and most pundits did not buy that. The problem is not with the Ryan budget plan but rather with the Republican messaging. They are trying to sell it as as a necessary reform to balance the budget. They keep pushing that line and not only will they not gain control of the Senate in 2012, but they will not defeat Obama and will come close to losing the House of Representatives as well.
At the time of the 2010 elections, the generic congressional ballot was running from 7 to 15 points in favor of the Republicans depending upon which poll you looked at. Right now our average of those polls is actually slightly in favor of the Democrats. Clearly the Republicans have a gigantic messaging problem. How about a message that proclaims they are try to SAVE Medicare before it goes bankrupt? Is that too much to ask of the Republican leadership? The voters voted for Republicans in 2010 in hopes that the Republicans would jam the brakes on all that the Democrats had done in the previous two years.
What have they gotten in exchange for this vain hope? They have gotten Democrat-lite from the Republicans instead. As Obama has said, Democrats bring a gun to a knife fight. The Republicans do not bring a knife or even martial arts to the fight. The Republicans are wimps and they have no clue on how to go for the Democrat jugular. The Democrats run ads proclaiming that the Republicans are trying to destroy Medicare and kill granny. How do the Republicans respond? They point to charts and figures that there is a problem with the financing of Medicare. How about proclaiming that the Democrats are sitting idly by while Medicare goes broke and that this is what will kill granny?
Republicans seem to think that the baby steps they have taken towards controlling government spending are all it takes to win public approval. How about wielding a meat axe instead? Whole departments need to be axed as they are doing more harm than good. Polls showed that a majority of the likely voters did not have a problem with shutting down all but the essential parts of the federal government if that was what it took to get the Democrat's attention to their habit of spending other people's money like a whole carrier group of druken sailors. What did the Republicans give them instead? They gave them cuts that did not even come to the amount the government borrowed while they were arguing about it.
The debt ceiling hike is the last chance the Republicans have to make good on their promises for the 2010 elections. They have just one chance to make believers out of the voting public that they are serious about cutting government spending. They need to refuse to raise the debt limit no matter what cuts the Democrats agree to. The public will support this stand. The folks in Congress need to learn to live within their means just like everyone else has had to do. The Republican leadership (and that means you, Mitch McConnell) need to get in the Democrats' face and stay there no matter how much the media beats up on them for doing that. Frankly, we doubt that the Republicans have the guts to do this and that means that we get four more years of Obama and continued Democrat control of the Senate and perhaps the Democrats regaining control of the House to boot.
The Top 10 most insufferable sports franchises
Here is my list of the top 10 most insufferable sports franchises, ones that many fans take glee in watching lose.
http://www.tygrrrrexpress.com/2011/05/the-top-10-most-insufferable-sports-franchises/
eric aka the Tygrrrr Express
http://www.tygrrrrexpress.com/2011/05/the-top-10-most-insufferable-sports-franchises/
eric aka the Tygrrrr Express
Obligatory: Weiner's Weiner Becomes 'Weinergate'
(All newer Weinergate posts can be found on one page here)
ANDREW BREITBART VINDICATED
[Update 6/6/11] More women step forward and more photos published.
[Update 6/3/11] Weinergate Goes From Amusing To Sickening, Daily Kos Founder Markos Moulitsas Refused To Protect Identity Of Minors
[Update 6/2/11] Weiner's Weiner still a hot topic across media and blogosphere.
Screen shot to the left captured by BigGovernment, who broke the story.
I know news is slow this weekend, I understand this. I also understand when a politician enters politics he is tossing out any hope of privacy. I also get that when a bad joke slaps you in the face, you have to go with it and have a little fun.
But to turn photos of Representative Anthony Weiner's underwear covered bulging weiner into 'Weinergate' surpasses boredom and makes me want to bleach my eyes.
Quick rundown, Weiner's yfrog account (an online image-sharing site) produced a photo of a man in underwear sporting a bulge. Weiner says his yfrog account and his Twitter account was hacked and he didn't put those photos up.
Just to add more punchlines to this joke, the photo was sent to a female co-ed that Tweeted earlier "I wonder what my boyfriend @RepWeiner is up to right now." (See screen shot of that tweet here)
Doug Ross at Director Blue puts everything into a time line:
4/09/2011 00:00 @GennetteNicole tweets "I wonder what my boyfriend @RepWeiner is up to right now"
04/10/2011 20:15 @Solzilla observes that "@GennetteNicole's @RepWeiner crush is cute."
04/12/2011 00:00 @maggiehenning, a school girl, tweets "talking to Rep Weiner ... right now! is my life real?"
04/13/2011 00:00 @patriotusa76 jeers "@repweiner talking to high-school girls now. Freak."
04/19/2011 00:00 @patriotusa76 notes that "@RepWeiner ... unfollowed 1 school girl. Now has 1 left ... initials: GN..."
04/19/2011 00:00 @GennetteNicole replies: "Are you insinuating that I'm a child? Don't mention in anymore tweets..."
05/13/2011 00:00 @maggiehenning, a school girl, tweets "@RepWeiner you used to follow me :( don't forget me!!!"
05/27/2011 16:00 @RepWeiner tweets that he is "Heading to 30 Rock to chat with Rachel at 9. #Thats545InSeattleIThink"
05/27/2011 19:30 @GennetteNicole re-tweets @RepWeiner's "30 Rock" message along with "#Thats545InSeattleIThink"
05/27/2011 20:00 @RepWeiner tweets "@GennetteNicole http://yfrog.com/h25m3luj"; the skinny white male erection photo
05/27/2011 20:04 @RepWeiner tweets "Killng me!! RT @kknapp1: @RepWeiner that is a tragedy! #EpicGame"
05/27/2011 20:05 @RepWeiner tweets "my tivo ate the hockey game! #WhoCanISue?"
05/27/2011 20:08 @RepWeiner tweets "@kknapp1 just kill me now."
05/27/2011 21:00 @RepWeiner tweets "Tivo eats the hockey game and Versus taunts me with endless postgame."
05/27/2011 21:10 @RepWeiner tweets "Followers of my lame hockey tweets recall i picked tb and nashville. #NotSoBrilliant"
05/27/2011 21:24 @RepWeiner tweets "Tivo shot. FB hacked. Is my blender gonna attack me next?"
05/28/2011 14:00 Gennette Nicole Cordova's social accounts are deleted (Twitter, Facebook, etc.)
05/28/2011 14:00 Congressman Weiner's yfrog photo albums are completely deleted along with suspicious tweets
05/28/2011 18:00 Gennette Nicole Cordova's web references, including her byline on school news stories, are deleted
New York Post definitely has the headline of the day on this one with "Undies in a twist over ‘Weiner wiener’ ".
[Update] OMG, Twitter now has a Weinergate thread... yes, seriously!! Boy are they having fun with it.
[Update#2] Piece listing 8 Things to know about this story from The News Junkie who thinks after looking at everything in the order it happened, then Weiner's denials, says the verdict is that Weiner denials are "far-fetched".
Bottom line: Three people know the whole truth, the co-ed, Weiner and his wife who would know what his weiner looks like in undies and whether or not he even owns gray undies.
This has been the obligatory Weiner's weiner post..... now back to regularly programmed holiday festivities.
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ANDREW BREITBART VINDICATED
[Update 6/6/11] More women step forward and more photos published.
[Update 6/3/11] Weinergate Goes From Amusing To Sickening, Daily Kos Founder Markos Moulitsas Refused To Protect Identity Of Minors
[Update 6/2/11] Weiner's Weiner still a hot topic across media and blogosphere.Screen shot to the left captured by BigGovernment, who broke the story.
I know news is slow this weekend, I understand this. I also understand when a politician enters politics he is tossing out any hope of privacy. I also get that when a bad joke slaps you in the face, you have to go with it and have a little fun.
But to turn photos of Representative Anthony Weiner's underwear covered bulging weiner into 'Weinergate' surpasses boredom and makes me want to bleach my eyes.
Quick rundown, Weiner's yfrog account (an online image-sharing site) produced a photo of a man in underwear sporting a bulge. Weiner says his yfrog account and his Twitter account was hacked and he didn't put those photos up.
Just to add more punchlines to this joke, the photo was sent to a female co-ed that Tweeted earlier "I wonder what my boyfriend @RepWeiner is up to right now." (See screen shot of that tweet here)
Doug Ross at Director Blue puts everything into a time line:
4/09/2011 00:00 @GennetteNicole tweets "I wonder what my boyfriend @RepWeiner is up to right now"
04/10/2011 20:15 @Solzilla observes that "@GennetteNicole's @RepWeiner crush is cute."
04/12/2011 00:00 @maggiehenning, a school girl, tweets "talking to Rep Weiner ... right now! is my life real?"
04/13/2011 00:00 @patriotusa76 jeers "@repweiner talking to high-school girls now. Freak."
04/19/2011 00:00 @patriotusa76 notes that "@RepWeiner ... unfollowed 1 school girl. Now has 1 left ... initials: GN..."
04/19/2011 00:00 @GennetteNicole replies: "Are you insinuating that I'm a child? Don't mention in anymore tweets..."
05/13/2011 00:00 @maggiehenning, a school girl, tweets "@RepWeiner you used to follow me :( don't forget me!!!"
05/27/2011 16:00 @RepWeiner tweets that he is "Heading to 30 Rock to chat with Rachel at 9. #Thats545InSeattleIThink"
05/27/2011 19:30 @GennetteNicole re-tweets @RepWeiner's "30 Rock" message along with "#Thats545InSeattleIThink"
05/27/2011 20:00 @RepWeiner tweets "@GennetteNicole http://yfrog.com/h25m3luj"; the skinny white male erection photo
05/27/2011 20:04 @RepWeiner tweets "Killng me!! RT @kknapp1: @RepWeiner that is a tragedy! #EpicGame"
05/27/2011 20:05 @RepWeiner tweets "my tivo ate the hockey game! #WhoCanISue?"
05/27/2011 20:08 @RepWeiner tweets "@kknapp1 just kill me now."
05/27/2011 21:00 @RepWeiner tweets "Tivo eats the hockey game and Versus taunts me with endless postgame."
05/27/2011 21:10 @RepWeiner tweets "Followers of my lame hockey tweets recall i picked tb and nashville. #NotSoBrilliant"
05/27/2011 21:24 @RepWeiner tweets "Tivo shot. FB hacked. Is my blender gonna attack me next?"
05/28/2011 14:00 Gennette Nicole Cordova's social accounts are deleted (Twitter, Facebook, etc.)
05/28/2011 14:00 Congressman Weiner's yfrog photo albums are completely deleted along with suspicious tweets
05/28/2011 18:00 Gennette Nicole Cordova's web references, including her byline on school news stories, are deleted
New York Post definitely has the headline of the day on this one with "Undies in a twist over ‘Weiner wiener’ ".
[Update] OMG, Twitter now has a Weinergate thread... yes, seriously!! Boy are they having fun with it.
[Update#2] Piece listing 8 Things to know about this story from The News Junkie who thinks after looking at everything in the order it happened, then Weiner's denials, says the verdict is that Weiner denials are "far-fetched".
Bottom line: Three people know the whole truth, the co-ed, Weiner and his wife who would know what his weiner looks like in undies and whether or not he even owns gray undies.
This has been the obligatory Weiner's weiner post..... now back to regularly programmed holiday festivities.
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Saturday, May 28, 2011
In Memory
By Findalis of Monkey in the Middle
In Flanders Fields
by John McCrae, May 1915
Never forget their sacrifices. Not only on Memorial Day, but everyday.
In Flanders Fields
by John McCrae, May 1915
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields
Never forget their sacrifices. Not only on Memorial Day, but everyday.
Rick Amato Show--My May 2011 Podcast
Here is my podcast from guest hosting the Rick Amato Show yesterday.
http://www.tygrrrrexpress.com/2011/05/rick-amato-show-my-may-2011-podcast/
eric aka the Tygrrrr Express
http://www.tygrrrrexpress.com/2011/05/rick-amato-show-my-may-2011-podcast/
eric aka the Tygrrrr Express
A Sad Memorial Day - 2011
Over the last few days, I have been watching discussions what Memorial Day really means to my American 'family.' Much has been said about the disconnect, the ignorance of so many Americans who see this most solemn of days as just another day off, or a day to catch retail sales, with no thought (nor sometimes even knowledge) of the significance of this day in the heart of America.
As always, it takes a Veteran to oh so eloquently share what Memorial Day should mean.
From War on Terror News:
As always, it takes a Veteran to oh so eloquently share what Memorial Day should mean.
From War on Terror News:
05/28/2011
A Sad Memorial Day - 2011
This Memorial Day is not only somber for me, but also brings more sadness. I was given the opportunity to observe a Military ceremony for Memorial Day.
As a Soldier, I was never a fan of ceremonies, but this is the one that should be given great importance. It is not to say that other Military ceremonies shouldn't. I have a high regard for many of the ceremonies of the Military, but too many have lost their significance.
Perhaps, as a Veteran, I put more value on Memorial Day than I did as a Private, but it was my NCO's as a Private that taught me the meanings, that put an emphasis on the "why's" of the ceremonies, not least of which was Memorial Day. Perhaps, when one has a particular person they remember, Memorial Day is more important. I don't share those names with the public. They are for me to remember.
So, it saddened me to watch this ceremony, which included the families of the fallen, because few seemed to have put much thought or weight into the meaning of it. It seemed they were going through the motions, but not the meaning. This is a leadership issue. It is the leader's responsibility to teach the Troops why we do the things we do. The Leadership seemed more concerned with the picture before the ceremony than the ceremony they used as an excuse to take the picture. I do not expect this is a military wide problem, but I was particularly disturbed with the attitudes of leadership at multiple levels....
There is much more, and it IS a MUST READ here.
“They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.”
Yes, I WILL remember, and HONOUR, them all..
Saturday Cartoons- The News, Cartoon Style
Political cartoons representing the latest news are an entertaining way of describing the week or months events and on a slow Saturday news day, I find it amusing to see some of the great cartoons out there.Recently Obama was taught a little history lesson, very publicly, by Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It was like Bambi meeting Godzilla. Netanyahu carried his momentum on with an awesome speech at AIPAC and then received a wonderful welcome by the U.S. House of Representatives, where Democrats and Republicans alike gave him over 25 standing ovations.
Glenn McCoy accurately captured the moment brilliantly.
The last time the Senate passed a budget was April 29, 2009, over 750 days ago and Harry Reid, Democratic Senate Majority Leader, was recently quoted as saying it would be "foolish" for Democrats, who control the Senate, to propose a budget for 2012.
Nate Beeler provides the visual for this story.
Jobless claims rose by 10,000 last week and the unemployment rate is at 9 percent. Recent news showed that Texas, over the last ten years, was the only state to hit a private-sector job growth number in the six figures with 732,800 and California had the worst decline by losing 623,700 private-sector jobs. Doing the addition and subtraction, I found that 22 Red States, controlled by Republicans had totaled a 451,600 private-sector job increase from April 2001 to April 2011. 21 Blue States and DC (for 22) totaled a decrease of 2,041,300 private-sector jobs in the same time frame.
Should say something to what policies work better than others and who understands how to increase job creation and who is very good at decreasing it.
Dr. Helen wonders why so many "now hiring" signs are out, yet unemployment keeps rising.
Eric Allie creates the cartoon visual on the new unemployment "normal".
In other news, the Supreme Court, in a 5 to 4 ruling, ruled that 46,000 inmates over the next two years be released due to overcrowding in the California prison system.
What Could go wrong? ummmm.... perhaps mistakenly releasing an estimated 450 inmates with "a high risk for violence? Oh and another 1,000 presenting a high risk of committing drug crimes, property crimes and other offenses were also let out.
Oooops?
Bob Gorrell presents the "get out of jail free" cartoon for this idiocy.
Another week in politics bites the dust.
Cartoons from TownHall Political Cartoons
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Friday, May 27, 2011
Good articles on anti-Zionism vs. anti-Semitism
Please see this article from Australia, and also the over 120 comments. The author, Dr. Philip Mendes, is a friend on the Australian left.
There is also a very interesting article in DISSENT magazine, available online, by Ben Gidley, an academic in London, England, which deals with overlapping themes---specifically, how his union is grappling with the challenges of anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism and criticism of Israel. (See mention of this at the "Trade Unions Linking Israel and Palestine" [TULIP] website.) Gidley's union has a record in recent years of being very critical of Israel, flirting with calls for BDS, and the like.
>> Arieh
There is also a very interesting article in DISSENT magazine, available online, by Ben Gidley, an academic in London, England, which deals with overlapping themes---specifically, how his union is grappling with the challenges of anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism and criticism of Israel. (See mention of this at the "Trade Unions Linking Israel and Palestine" [TULIP] website.) Gidley's union has a record in recent years of being very critical of Israel, flirting with calls for BDS, and the like.
>> Arieh
Outside Has Seven Questions For Conrad Anker
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The Outside Blog has posted an excellent little interview with Conrad Anker, one of the best known climber/mountaineers in the U.S. Anker, as you probably recall, was part of the team that discovered George Mallory's body on Everest back in 1999, and he shared a lot about that story in the wonderful documentary The Wildest Dream.
Outside took the opportunity to chat with Anker, quizzing him with seven questions that range from how he got started as a professional adventurer, what it was like discovering Mallory's remains, and how we can still find adventure, even in the 21st century. It's a an excellent read, and definitely worth your time on a slow Friday.
I had a chance to meet Anker back in 2008 while I was in Bozeman, Montana for Primal Quest. He is an interesting guy who is very approachable and humble about his accomplishments. Definitely one of the most down to Earth people you'll ever meet.
Students Suspended For Wearing White T-Shirts: School Contact Info Provided
H/T Jim Treacher @ Daily Caller
Evidently, in the mind of Ken Lawrence-Emanuel, the Soquel High School principal, students wearing white T-shirts for a group photo is indicative of those students being "white supremacists".
Yeah, seriously.
The students apparently aren't going to take being labeled as white supremacists laying down and High school senior Mike Donnelly says he will not only appeal the decision but if he has to, he will take it to court.
Soquel High Senior David Mine, another one of the kids suspended is also speaking out:
Soquel High School
401 Old San Jose Rd. :: Soquel, CA 95073
(831) 429-3909 :: fax (831) 429-3311
Contact Info:
Names above linked to email.
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Evidently, in the mind of Ken Lawrence-Emanuel, the Soquel High School principal, students wearing white T-shirts for a group photo is indicative of those students being "white supremacists".
Yeah, seriously.
"All the girls wore pink, all the sports guys wore tank tops," says Soquel High Senior Mikey Donnelly. "We were all going to wear white so that was the plan. Just wear white t-shirts to identify ourselves and look back and say that was our group of friends right there."
Soquel High Senior Mikey Donnelly wore a white t-shirt for his senior class photo Tuesday. About 10 of his friends did the same. That decision may seem harmless. But Soquel High suspended Donnelly for three days because of it.
Donnelly said the school told him people were offended and intimidated by his group, claiming they're a white supremacist gang.
The students apparently aren't going to take being labeled as white supremacists laying down and High school senior Mike Donnelly says he will not only appeal the decision but if he has to, he will take it to court.
Soquel High Senior David Mine, another one of the kids suspended is also speaking out:
"I feel disrespected," says Soquel High Senior David Mine.
Mine also wore a white t-shirt and was also suspended. He's missing out on finals and that could jeopardize his graduation.
"I'm Asian," says Mine. "I don't see how I can be a white supremacist. I'm against it completely."
Soquel High School
401 Old San Jose Rd. :: Soquel, CA 95073
(831) 429-3909 :: fax (831) 429-3311
Contact Info:
| Ken Lawrence-Emanuel | Principal | 429-3909 x123 |
| Viyada Weng | Administrative Assistant to the Principal | 429-3909 x124 |
| Craig Miller | Assistant Principal Student Services/Security/Safety/Discipline | 429-3909 x126 |
| Cheryl Walton | Assistant Principal's Secretary | 429-3909 x129 |
| Rod Martin | Assistant Principal – Counseling Services | 429-3909 x125 |
| Suzanne Williams | Counseling Secretary | 429-3909 x132 |
| Stu Walters | Athletic Director | 429-3950 |
Names above linked to email.
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Rapist Pisses Off Mother Of Victim, She Sets Him On Fire
Lesson: It is never a good idea for a convicted rapist to get in the face of a rape victim's mother.
The proof of that statement comes from an article in The Telegraph:
I would vote for temporary insanity.
H/T Drudge@Twitter
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The proof of that statement comes from an article in The Telegraph:
A Spanish mother has taken revenge on the man who raped her 13-year-old daughter at knifepoint by dousing him in petrol and setting him alight. He died of his injuries in hospital on Friday.
Antonio Cosme Velasco Soriano, 69, had been sent to jail for nine years in 1998, but was let out on a three-day pass and returned to his home town of Benejúzar, 30 miles south of Alicante, on the Costa Blanca.
While there, he passed his victim's mother in the street and allegedly taunted her about the attack. He is said to have called out "How's your daughter?", before heading into a crowded bar.
Shortly after, the woman walked into the bar, poured a bottle of petrol over Soriano and lit a match. She watched as the flames engulfed him, before walking out.
The woman fled to Alicante, where she was arrested the same evening. When she appeared in court the next day in the town of Orihuela, she was cheered and clapped by a crowd, who shouted "Bravo!" and "Well done!"
A judge ordered her to be held in prison and undergo psychiatric tests, provoking anger from friends and neighbours, who have set up a petition calling for her release.
I would vote for temporary insanity.
H/T Drudge@Twitter
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Chuckle Worthy: No Recess Appointments For Obama
A recess appointment is the appointment, by the President of the United States, of a senior federal official while the Senate is in recess. The U.S. Constitution requires that the most senior federal officers must be confirmed by the Senate before assuming office, but while the U.S. Senate is in recess the President can act alone by making a recess appointment.
The Hill reports "GOP forces Senate pro-forma session, blocking Warren recess appointment."
Most presidents, if not all, make appointments while the Senate is adjourned, especially if they feel their nominee won't be confirmed by the Senate.
It is an end run around the Senate and isn't in any way illegal.
But on a slow news day, I will take my chuckles where I can get them.
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The Hill reports "GOP forces Senate pro-forma session, blocking Warren recess appointment."
Republicans are preventing the Senate from completely adjourning for the Memorial Day recess. Instead, the chamber will come in for three pro-forma sessions over the next 10 days.
The cursory sessions are a formality that will ensure President Obama does not make recess appointments, a prospect that was considered unlikely anyway because the recess is scheduled for only a week.
Some Republicans feared that Obama would use the recess to appoint Elizabeth Warren to head the controversial Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which will have broad powers over Wall Street.
Most presidents, if not all, make appointments while the Senate is adjourned, especially if they feel their nominee won't be confirmed by the Senate.
It is an end run around the Senate and isn't in any way illegal.
But on a slow news day, I will take my chuckles where I can get them.
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Heartland Heartbreak: Help Hank Hamil!
Tonight I will be guest hosting the Rick Amato show on KCBQ 1170 and KTIE 590 from 7-9pm PST. Meanwhile, tornadoes are devastating middle America. Hank Hamil in Oklahoma lost his 2 young sons. Please help this man.
http://www.tygrrrrexpress.com/2011/05/heartland-heartbreak-help-hank-hamil/
eric aka the Tygrrrr Express
http://www.tygrrrrexpress.com/2011/05/heartland-heartbreak-help-hank-hamil/
eric aka the Tygrrrr Express
VIDEO added: Will Texas Governor Rick Perry Jump Into 2012 And Shake Up The GOP Field
Video added below the post of Perry's press conference."Texas added more jobs in the past 10 years than the total jobs of the 19 states, including the District of Columbia, that were positive for job growth."--- The Business Journals
There has been buzz, rumors and speculation as to whether Texas Governor Rick Perry would toss his hat into the ring as a presidential candidate for 2012, despite his prior rejection of the idea.
Reports today show that the thought is there and the possibility is not as unlikely as many once thought it was.
Via Statesman:
Gov. Rick Perry today gave his strongest indication yet that he may run for president.
“I’m going to think about it” after the legislative session ends Monday, Perry said. He added, “But I think about a lot of things.”
More:
Perry was asked about the presidency during a press conference to hail a voter-identification law that he has signed into law.
The presidential talk began when a reporter asked Perry for his reaction to the fact that the Hispanic Republican Conference of Texas, a group of state legislators, endorsed him for president on Thursday.
“I don’t make a lot of anything dealing with that until we get past the Monday deadline for this legislative session,” Perry said. “That’s our focus. I appreciate everybody’s interest. All of us know that the work at hand is the most important thing we have to do in getting this balanced budget finalized and passing pieces of legislation like this.”
Unemployment is a huge issue and promises to be one the top issues going into the 2012 campaign season, with unemployment at 9 percent now and estimates from experts believing unemployment will not be under 8 percent by Nov. 2012. Job growth has also been the focus of the latest plan put together by the GOP, unveiled yesterday with "America's Job Creators".
Recent reports with data obtained by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that Texas over the last decade has seen private-sector job growth of 732,800, the highest of all 50 states and DC.
No other state even topped 100,000.
Perry is into his third term as Governor, making him the longest serving governor in Texas history and would benefit greatly from Texas' job growth over the last 10 years as well as his reputation as a social and fiscal conservative.
Others have noted that recently Perry has been weighing in on national issues as well which could been indicative of a 2012 presidential run.
More on Perry's stances and votes on individual issues can be found here.
This is definitely a story to watch if for no other reason than if Perry enters the race, the campaign season would get much more interesting.
More at Ballot Box.
Job Growth Related:
Red States Add More Jobs Than Blue States: Part 1 and Part 2
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Kenneth Clarke data protection speech
Ministry of Justice
26 May 2011
See also comment by Chris Pounder on the Amberhawk blog.
26 May 2011
Europe is in danger of making the wrong choices on new data protection rules, Secretary of State for Justice Kenneth Clarke said.The speech is available to download in full here.
Speaking at the British Chamber of Commerce in Belgium, Mr Clarke reiterated the UK Government's commitment to restoring civil liberties, citing the Government's achievements in scrapping ID cards, and working to end the misuse of anti-terrorism stop and search powers.
He stressed that collecting data in the interests of national security must not come at the expense of UK citizens' basic freedoms, particularly the right not to have their personal data treated carelessly or even fall into the wrong hands.
The Justice Secretary also warned, however, that collecting data sensibly and sharing it safely across borders is a crucial part of efforts to tackle international crime and protect our security, and is entirely consistent with ensuring strong standards of data protection.
The EU is currently reviewing its data protection rules and Mr Clarke's speech made clear the Government's belief that it must be up to all Member States to decide the details of when to use and share data to keep their citizens safe – particularly in detecting crime and preventing terrorism. He also warned Member States of the dangers of unnecessarily prescriptive rules in this area.
Kenneth Clarke said: 'Imposing an inflexible, detailed data protection regime on the whole of the EU, regardless of the peculiarities of different cultures and legal systems, carries with it serious risks.
But he added: 'I am optimistic that there's a common sense solution on this. Our experience in the UK is that security, freedom and privacy are possible.'
While in Brussels, the Justice Secretary also met UK Members of the European Parliament and discussed data protection issues.
See also comment by Chris Pounder on the Amberhawk blog.
Campaign for Freedom of Information responds to comments on science and FOI
Letter
The Guardian, Friday 27 May 2011
The Guardian, Friday 27 May 2011
The president of the Royal Society calls for changes to freedom of information laws to prevent them being misused (Data laws 'misused' in climate change row, 26 May). However, existing safeguards address many of his concerns. Deliberate attempts to "intimidate" scientists, if that is what they are, can be refused under the Freedom of Information Act's safeguards against vexatious requests. Unreasonable requests for all pre-publication drafts of scientific papers can be refused under an exemption for information due for future publication. Explanations of why changes to successive drafts were made do not have to be provided unless they exist in writing. Multiple related requests from different people, if they are co-ordinated, can be refused if the combined cost of answering exceeds the act's cost limit.http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2011/may/27/scientists-freedom-information-law-safeguards
Another academic is quoted as saying many FoI requests are made in order to find problems and errors – but that is a valid use of the act. It was the misguided attempt to deny ammunition to critics that led to the Climategate fiasco. The resulting independent review found there had been an "ethos of minimal compliance (and at times non-compliance) … with both the letter and the spirit" of the legislation, and that the campaign of requests to the UEA climatic research unit was partly the result of its own "unhelpful" response to earlier requests. It is not clear that much has changed.
Maurice Frankel
Director, Campaign for Freedom of Information
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Students Earn Credit by Teaching English and Civic Lessons to Immigrants
Thirty immigrants have been taught English by five university students and everyone has benefited. - - Donna Poisl
Nadine Alexander, a senior health and nutrition sciences student who has been accepted to Johns Hopkins, recently accomplished something that took her outside the realm of her major: She taught English and civic lessons in the same setting to immigrants. As one of the Brooklyn College student facilitators in the "We Are New York" program, Alexander not only provided a valuable service, she also received credit for community service for her effort.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Nadine Alexander, a senior health and nutrition sciences student who has been accepted to Johns Hopkins, recently accomplished something that took her outside the realm of her major: She taught English and civic lessons in the same setting to immigrants. As one of the Brooklyn College student facilitators in the "We Are New York" program, Alexander not only provided a valuable service, she also received credit for community service for her effort.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Another Win!! Elier Gets to Stay
from Mohammad Abdollahi, co-founder of DreamActivist.org
This has been a great week, it turns out that the Obama administration is not yet ready to lose the support of the DREAMer community. Yesterday Elier, the 19 year old Ohio DREAM-eligible student we told you about received word that his deferred action request would be granted!
Support DreamActivist and the work we do for students like Elier.
Elier extends a big thank you to the over 5,000 of you who took action, made calls and helped pressure ICE to react positively to his case. This deferred action is going to allow Elier to give back and remain united with his family.
Obama's administration may have given some relief for Ola and Elier, however he is still dragging his feet on countless other deportations of very similar students. Meet Zulma, the mother of a beautiful 4 year old, Reina. Now as a result of an immigration attorney's mistake Zulma is facing a July 2nd deportation to Guatemala. If deported, she will be separated from her family and her 4 year old daughter!
We know the work we do together works, will you help us with Zulma's case?
Thank you for all you are doing to keep our communities safe,
This has been a great week, it turns out that the Obama administration is not yet ready to lose the support of the DREAMer community. Yesterday Elier, the 19 year old Ohio DREAM-eligible student we told you about received word that his deferred action request would be granted!
Support DreamActivist and the work we do for students like Elier.
Elier extends a big thank you to the over 5,000 of you who took action, made calls and helped pressure ICE to react positively to his case. This deferred action is going to allow Elier to give back and remain united with his family.
Obama's administration may have given some relief for Ola and Elier, however he is still dragging his feet on countless other deportations of very similar students. Meet Zulma, the mother of a beautiful 4 year old, Reina. Now as a result of an immigration attorney's mistake Zulma is facing a July 2nd deportation to Guatemala. If deported, she will be separated from her family and her 4 year old daughter!
We know the work we do together works, will you help us with Zulma's case?
Thank you for all you are doing to keep our communities safe,
BROKEN LIGHT, BROKEN DREAM: Illegal immigrants in Aurora
This high school graduate might be deported, after being picked up for a license plate light that was burned out. He needs the DREAM Act to be passed! - - Donna Poisl
by SARA CASTELLANOS The Aurora Sentinel
A gallon of milk, a burnt out car light, and Aurora will likely have one less illegal immigrant.
Everyday life led to the worst that can happen for Gerardo Noriega, who was living illegally in Aurora when the never-ending fear of being deported became a reality.
Noriega, 20, was driving from his Aurora home to a grocery store in April 2010 when an Arapahoe County Sheriff pulled him over for a broken license plate light. The Mexican-born graduate of Smoky Hill High School was arrested for driving without a license and detained in Aurora’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement jail for three days.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
by SARA CASTELLANOS The Aurora Sentinel
A gallon of milk, a burnt out car light, and Aurora will likely have one less illegal immigrant.
Everyday life led to the worst that can happen for Gerardo Noriega, who was living illegally in Aurora when the never-ending fear of being deported became a reality.
Noriega, 20, was driving from his Aurora home to a grocery store in April 2010 when an Arapahoe County Sheriff pulled him over for a broken license plate light. The Mexican-born graduate of Smoky Hill High School was arrested for driving without a license and detained in Aurora’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement jail for three days.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Lion Carries Off GoPro Cam While It's Filming
We all know that the tiny GoPro helmet cams are popular amongst outdoor athletes and adventurers, but apparently they're pretty popular with lions as well. In the video below, you'll see a group of professional photographers set up with of the little cameras in hopes of catching some images of lions. Turns out they got a lot more than they bargained for, when one of the big cats took a shine to the GoPro and proceeded to carry it around in her mouth. How they ever found the thing again is beyond me, but after seeing the video, I'm glad they did. :)
First Quarter 2011, Record 1538 State Bills Relating to Immigrants Introduced
Read this to see what state bills have been introduced and enacted the first few months of this year, affecting immigrants. - - Donna Poisl
by HS News Staff
State legislatures continue to grapple with immigration issues at an unprecedented rate. In the first quarter of 2011, state legislators in the 50 states and Puerto Rico introduced 1,538 bills and resolutions relating to immigrants and refugees. This number surpasses the first quarter of 2010, when 1,180 bills were introduced.
As in past years, employment, identification/driver’s licenses and law enforcement remain top areas of interest for immigrant-related bill introductions. With passage of federal health care reform, however, health also emerged as a top contender. This quarter, the number of health-related bills was more than double those introduced during the same quarter last year. Following last year’s example of Arizona’s SB 1070, omnibus bill introductions also increased in 2011.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
by HS News Staff
State legislatures continue to grapple with immigration issues at an unprecedented rate. In the first quarter of 2011, state legislators in the 50 states and Puerto Rico introduced 1,538 bills and resolutions relating to immigrants and refugees. This number surpasses the first quarter of 2010, when 1,180 bills were introduced.
As in past years, employment, identification/driver’s licenses and law enforcement remain top areas of interest for immigrant-related bill introductions. With passage of federal health care reform, however, health also emerged as a top contender. This quarter, the number of health-related bills was more than double those introduced during the same quarter last year. Following last year’s example of Arizona’s SB 1070, omnibus bill introductions also increased in 2011.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Children of recent immigrants lead America's scientific competitions
These citizen students show how important immigrants are to this country. They have the hard work values their immigrant parents brought with them and are adding to our country. - - Donna Poisl
By Lisa M. Krieger
Quantifying what has long been obvious in Silicon Valley, a new analysis shows the majority of America's top high school science competitors are the children of new immigrants.
The report, released Monday by the nonpartisan National Foundation for American Policy, found that about two-thirds of the finalists at the Intel Science Talent Search -- the Nobel Prize of high school science -- were born to parents who hailed from either China or India.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Lisa M. Krieger
Quantifying what has long been obvious in Silicon Valley, a new analysis shows the majority of America's top high school science competitors are the children of new immigrants.
The report, released Monday by the nonpartisan National Foundation for American Policy, found that about two-thirds of the finalists at the Intel Science Talent Search -- the Nobel Prize of high school science -- were born to parents who hailed from either China or India.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Understanding Prosecutorial Discretion in Immigration Law
For Immediate Release
Washington D.C. - Frustrated by the lack of comprehensive immigration reform, many immigrant advocates, from grassroots community organizers to Members of Congress, have begun calling on President Obama to take action on immigration. They want the President and his Administration to use the power of the executive branch to prevent or defer removals, to revisit current policies and priorities, and to interpret the law as compassionately as possible.
Like all government officials from the local traffic cop to the Attorney General of the United States, immigration officials must make decisions every day about how they exercise their power. It is within the discretion of immigration authorities to determine whom to target for removal. For instance, by prioritizing “criminal aliens” over “non-criminal aliens,” the Department of Homeland Security exercises its authority to enforce the law against some people but not others. These decisions are exercises of prosecutorial discretion.
For those unfamiliar with the idea of prosecutorial discretion—or with the way immigration laws are actually enforced—it can be confusing to identify and understand what is at stake when advocates call for more prosecutorial discretion.
Consequently, the Immigration Policy Center of the American Immigration Council has produced the following brief introduction to the concept of prosecutorial discretion in immigration law and answers the following questions:
What is Prosecutorial Discretion?
When is Prosecutorial Discretion Used in Immigration Enforcement?
Who Exercises Prosecutorial Discretion?
Is Prosecutorial Discretion Always Case by Case?
What Factors Lead to an Exercise of Prosecutorial Discretion?
Is Prosecutorial Discretion a New Idea in Immigration Enforcement?
Is Prosecutorial Discretion the only authority the Executive Branch has to affect the immigration laws?
Do Members of Congress Recognize Prosecutorial Discretion as An Executive Branch Authority?
To view the fact sheet in its entirety see:
Understanding Prosecutorial Discretion in Immigration Law (IPC Fact Check, May, 2011)
To view a list of resources and information on Executive Action see:
Executive Action: A Resource Page at http://www.immigrationpolicy.org/just-facts/executive-action-resource-page
###
For more information contact Wendy Sefsaf at 202-507-7524 or wsefsaf@immcouncil.org
Washington D.C. - Frustrated by the lack of comprehensive immigration reform, many immigrant advocates, from grassroots community organizers to Members of Congress, have begun calling on President Obama to take action on immigration. They want the President and his Administration to use the power of the executive branch to prevent or defer removals, to revisit current policies and priorities, and to interpret the law as compassionately as possible.
Like all government officials from the local traffic cop to the Attorney General of the United States, immigration officials must make decisions every day about how they exercise their power. It is within the discretion of immigration authorities to determine whom to target for removal. For instance, by prioritizing “criminal aliens” over “non-criminal aliens,” the Department of Homeland Security exercises its authority to enforce the law against some people but not others. These decisions are exercises of prosecutorial discretion.
For those unfamiliar with the idea of prosecutorial discretion—or with the way immigration laws are actually enforced—it can be confusing to identify and understand what is at stake when advocates call for more prosecutorial discretion.
Consequently, the Immigration Policy Center of the American Immigration Council has produced the following brief introduction to the concept of prosecutorial discretion in immigration law and answers the following questions:
What is Prosecutorial Discretion?
When is Prosecutorial Discretion Used in Immigration Enforcement?
Who Exercises Prosecutorial Discretion?
Is Prosecutorial Discretion Always Case by Case?
What Factors Lead to an Exercise of Prosecutorial Discretion?
Is Prosecutorial Discretion a New Idea in Immigration Enforcement?
Is Prosecutorial Discretion the only authority the Executive Branch has to affect the immigration laws?
Do Members of Congress Recognize Prosecutorial Discretion as An Executive Branch Authority?
To view the fact sheet in its entirety see:
Understanding Prosecutorial Discretion in Immigration Law (IPC Fact Check, May, 2011)
To view a list of resources and information on Executive Action see:
Executive Action: A Resource Page at http://www.immigrationpolicy.org/just-facts/executive-action-resource-page
###
For more information contact Wendy Sefsaf at 202-507-7524 or wsefsaf@immcouncil.org
Senate Judiciary Committee Holds Key Hearing on Challenges Facing Immigration Courts
For Immediate Release
Washington, D.C.—The American Immigration Council’s Legal Action Center commends Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, for convening today’s hearing on “Improving Efficiency and Ensuring Justice in the Immigration Court System.” Immigration courts have long suffered from crushing backlogs that can delay the scheduling of hearings for years at a time. Additionally, immigrants who appear before these courts enjoy fewer legal protections than most Americans expect from any fair system of justice. With the dramatic and rapid escalation of immigration enforcement policies and resources, too little attention has been paid to the many challenges that face our immigration court system.
The backlogs in our nation’s immigration courts are longer today than at any time in U.S. history. In many U.S. cities, immigrants must wait eighteen months or longer for a hearing before an immigration judge. These backlogs not only delay the removal of noncitizens with no lawful claim to remain in the United States, but also impose hardships on individuals—such as asylum seekers—whose status and ability to work remain in limbo until their cases are resolved. The troubles that have long faced our immigration court system have been magnified and compounded by the Department of Homeland Security’s increasing reliance on state and local law enforcement agencies. So long as the federal government continues to expand its enforcement efforts through programs like Secure Communities and ignores the need for court reform, our nation’s immigration courts will continue to be flooded beyond capacity.
Moreover, immigrants in removal proceedings have historically been denied the very rights that Americans have come to expect from civilized justice systems. Unlike criminal defendants, immigrants who cannot afford an attorney have no right to appointed counsel. Immigrants can also be removed on the basis of hearsay and other evidence that would be excluded in federal courts. Vulnerable immigrants, including those who lack mental competency, are often deported without inquiries into their ability to comprehend the proceedings against them. And the immigration court system remains largely exempt from crucial checks and balances like judicial review.
“For far too long, immigration courts have failed to provide a fair and efficient system of justice for immigrants in this country,” said Melissa Crow, Director of the Legal Action Center at the American Immigration Council. “While the enactment of comprehensive immigration reform should remain Congress’s ultimate goal, improving the immigration courts would help treat a chronic, if underappreciated, symptom of our broken immigration system.”
###
For press inquiries contact Wendy Sefsaf at (202) 507-7524 or wsefsaf@immcouncil.org.
Washington, D.C.—The American Immigration Council’s Legal Action Center commends Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, for convening today’s hearing on “Improving Efficiency and Ensuring Justice in the Immigration Court System.” Immigration courts have long suffered from crushing backlogs that can delay the scheduling of hearings for years at a time. Additionally, immigrants who appear before these courts enjoy fewer legal protections than most Americans expect from any fair system of justice. With the dramatic and rapid escalation of immigration enforcement policies and resources, too little attention has been paid to the many challenges that face our immigration court system.
The backlogs in our nation’s immigration courts are longer today than at any time in U.S. history. In many U.S. cities, immigrants must wait eighteen months or longer for a hearing before an immigration judge. These backlogs not only delay the removal of noncitizens with no lawful claim to remain in the United States, but also impose hardships on individuals—such as asylum seekers—whose status and ability to work remain in limbo until their cases are resolved. The troubles that have long faced our immigration court system have been magnified and compounded by the Department of Homeland Security’s increasing reliance on state and local law enforcement agencies. So long as the federal government continues to expand its enforcement efforts through programs like Secure Communities and ignores the need for court reform, our nation’s immigration courts will continue to be flooded beyond capacity.
Moreover, immigrants in removal proceedings have historically been denied the very rights that Americans have come to expect from civilized justice systems. Unlike criminal defendants, immigrants who cannot afford an attorney have no right to appointed counsel. Immigrants can also be removed on the basis of hearsay and other evidence that would be excluded in federal courts. Vulnerable immigrants, including those who lack mental competency, are often deported without inquiries into their ability to comprehend the proceedings against them. And the immigration court system remains largely exempt from crucial checks and balances like judicial review.
“For far too long, immigration courts have failed to provide a fair and efficient system of justice for immigrants in this country,” said Melissa Crow, Director of the Legal Action Center at the American Immigration Council. “While the enactment of comprehensive immigration reform should remain Congress’s ultimate goal, improving the immigration courts would help treat a chronic, if underappreciated, symptom of our broken immigration system.”
###
For press inquiries contact Wendy Sefsaf at (202) 507-7524 or wsefsaf@immcouncil.org.
We can't wait. Think bigger, Mr. President
from Marissa Graciosa, Reform Immigration FOR America
We can't wait
Our communities need relief
Last week, President Obama made his big pitch in El Paso for immigration reform by asking Congress to deliver a comprehensive reform bill by the end of the year.
The President has given the other side what they wanted to bring them to the table, but they haven’t shown up. Instead of joining with him to solve the problem, restrictionists in Congress have doubled down on their opposition with more divisive politics.
President Obama doesn’t have to wait for them any longer. He can get immigration reform started without their help by stopping the deportations of DREAM students and preventing more of our families from being torn apart right now.
Tell President Obama immigration reform must start with him
Help me in telling the President our communities can’t wait for Congress to take action – we need relief now.
We can't wait
Our communities need relief
Last week, President Obama made his big pitch in El Paso for immigration reform by asking Congress to deliver a comprehensive reform bill by the end of the year.
The President has given the other side what they wanted to bring them to the table, but they haven’t shown up. Instead of joining with him to solve the problem, restrictionists in Congress have doubled down on their opposition with more divisive politics.
President Obama doesn’t have to wait for them any longer. He can get immigration reform started without their help by stopping the deportations of DREAM students and preventing more of our families from being torn apart right now.
Tell President Obama immigration reform must start with him
Help me in telling the President our communities can’t wait for Congress to take action – we need relief now.
Hispanic Voter Turnout 2010
New Census Bureau voting data from November 2010 shows that Hispanic turnout conformed to the pattern of recent midterm elections.
Click on the headline to read the analysis at the Center for Immigration Studies website.
Click on the headline to read the analysis at the Center for Immigration Studies website.
AHRQ, Ad Council launch "Conoce las Preguntas" campaign
Conoce las Preguntas, (Know the Questions) a new, multimedia Spanish-language campaign encourages Hispanics to get more involved in their health care.
Click on the headline to find tips and other important health information in Spanish.
Click on the headline to find tips and other important health information in Spanish.
ASIAN AMERICANS, PACIFIC ISLANDERS AND SOCIAL SECURITY: A PRIMER
Social Security is a critical income source for Asian Americans.
Click on the headline to read the report.
Click on the headline to read the report.
Impact of Social Security and Proposed Benefit Changes on the Latino Population
New report by the University of Southern California (USC) Edward R. Roybal Institute on Aging underscores the importance of Social Security to Latinos.
Click on the headline to read the report.
Click on the headline to read the report.
Local Organization Helps Immigrants Apply For Citizenship
Many immigrants are eligible to apply for citizenship but need some help. - - Donna Poisl
by Matt Laslo
Local Hispanic groups, labor unions and volunteer lawyers spent the weekend helping immigrants apply for citizenship.
Becoming a United States citizen isn't as hard as many immigrants think. When Orlando Bonilla, business manager for the Baltimore-Washington Laborers' District Council, went through his group's rolls, he found many workers weren't taking advantage of available legal paths to citizenship.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
by Matt Laslo
Local Hispanic groups, labor unions and volunteer lawyers spent the weekend helping immigrants apply for citizenship.
Becoming a United States citizen isn't as hard as many immigrants think. When Orlando Bonilla, business manager for the Baltimore-Washington Laborers' District Council, went through his group's rolls, he found many workers weren't taking advantage of available legal paths to citizenship.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Top ASU mechanical engineering graduate in limbo because she's an illegal immigrant
This graduate certainly needs the DREAM Act to be passed and her sister does too. - - Donna Poisl
by BOB CHRISTIE
PHOENIX — Angelica Hernandez excelled in high school and did just as well in college, graduating earlier this month as the distinguished graduating senior in mechanical engineering at Arizona State University.
But Hernandez won't have much of a chance to excel as an engineer, despite a recovery in the jobs market for the sought-after professionals. That's because Hernandez is an illegal immigrant and can't legally work.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
by BOB CHRISTIE
PHOENIX — Angelica Hernandez excelled in high school and did just as well in college, graduating earlier this month as the distinguished graduating senior in mechanical engineering at Arizona State University.
But Hernandez won't have much of a chance to excel as an engineer, despite a recovery in the jobs market for the sought-after professionals. That's because Hernandez is an illegal immigrant and can't legally work.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Chinese eateries are entry point for many immigrants
Chinese restaurants are very numerous in this country and they help Chinese immigrants survive when they first move here. - - Donna Poisl
by Diana Louise Carter
Author Jennifer 8. Lee proves her point about iconic American cuisine by asking this: Which do you eat more often, apple pie or Chinese food?
It's not even a contest, is it?
And Rochester does its patriotic part, with more than 100 Chinese restaurants listed in the phone book. That's one Chinese restaurant for every 51 local residents who identified themselves as Chinese or Taiwanese in the U.S. Census.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
by Diana Louise Carter
Author Jennifer 8. Lee proves her point about iconic American cuisine by asking this: Which do you eat more often, apple pie or Chinese food?
It's not even a contest, is it?
And Rochester does its patriotic part, with more than 100 Chinese restaurants listed in the phone book. That's one Chinese restaurant for every 51 local residents who identified themselves as Chinese or Taiwanese in the U.S. Census.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Ola Wins Her Case!
from Mohammad Abdollahi, co-founder of DreamActivist.org
Yup, that's right! Ola was originally told to appear at ICE on June 8th, there she was going to be told the exact date and time she, along with her mother, would be deported back to Albania. Knowing that it is wrong for even one DREAMer to be deported we joined others to help Ola and her family launch a campaign to stay here. Just over 10,000 of you responded and took action. In the end your calls and emails really put the pressure on ICE, just yesterday Ola and her mom were granted deferred action!
Support us so we can fight for more DREAMers like Ola and her mom.
Ola wanted us to convey her gratitude to each of you, since she was young it was her dream to go to the University of Michigan. With her deportation looming, despite having been accepted, she had almost given up on that dream but now thanks to each and everyone of you she can live it out.
All of the work we do for families facing deportation is free, if you can, please make a $5 donation support our efforts. If you know of DREAM-eligible youth in the same boat as Ola please respond to this email with a quick summary and we'll see what we can do.
Thank you for all you do,
Mohammad Abdollahi
co-founder of DreamActivist.org
Yup, that's right! Ola was originally told to appear at ICE on June 8th, there she was going to be told the exact date and time she, along with her mother, would be deported back to Albania. Knowing that it is wrong for even one DREAMer to be deported we joined others to help Ola and her family launch a campaign to stay here. Just over 10,000 of you responded and took action. In the end your calls and emails really put the pressure on ICE, just yesterday Ola and her mom were granted deferred action!
Support us so we can fight for more DREAMers like Ola and her mom.
Ola wanted us to convey her gratitude to each of you, since she was young it was her dream to go to the University of Michigan. With her deportation looming, despite having been accepted, she had almost given up on that dream but now thanks to each and everyone of you she can live it out.
All of the work we do for families facing deportation is free, if you can, please make a $5 donation support our efforts. If you know of DREAM-eligible youth in the same boat as Ola please respond to this email with a quick summary and we'll see what we can do.
Thank you for all you do,
Mohammad Abdollahi
co-founder of DreamActivist.org
Road trip! Water, antiques and history in the New Haven, Conn., area
Old time charm meets newfangled recreation when you take a road trip near New Haven along the Long Island Sound in lower Connecticut.
Many folks think of Yale University when they think of New Haven, and rightly so – it takes up the western edge of town and is a fun tour (free, visit the site for more info). But there’s a lot more to this architecture-laden place that started as a colony in 1638: churches, art galleries, libraries and museums are tidily interspersed around well-manicured squares.
If it’s a nice day for a picnic, Lighthouse Point Park is suitable for swimming, and has a cool old carousel. Stony Creek is just southeast of Branford and a destination for those looking to take a cruise around TheThimbles, tiny islands with their own weird and unique histories. Just east of this is Hammonasset Beach State Park, two miles of soft, clean sand with amenities such as restrooms, showers and picnic areas.
Start driving east along Interstate 95 into the Lower Connecticut River Valley for a series of picturesque towns with plenty of antiques shopping and views out over the Sound. Towns such as Westbrook, Old Saybrook and Old Lyme are charming, and the latter is famous as the onetime mecca for the American Impressionists such as Childe Hassam and William Chadwick. They met at the home of Florence Griswold, which is now a museum worth visiting. Old Saybrook is home to the impressive collection at Old Saybrook Antiques Center.
Also in this area: the popular Gillette Castle State Park, lined by mountains and possessing an actual, medieval-looking castle, with the Connecticut River running alongside. It takes you away from the Sound, but there are other interesting towns to explore along the way, as well, including Essex, Chester and East Haddam, all following along Highway 9 and Highway 82.
A couple of terrific places to eat along the way: Bill's Seafood Restaurant in Westbrook (548 Boston Post Road, 860-399-7224) fries the living daylights out of anything, but especially clams and calamari. Great place for kids, right on the water. Also the Griswold Inn in Essex (36 Main St., 860-767-1776), which was built in 1776 and takes its Colonial-ness very seriously, as well as (weirdly) its tapas, served in the wine bar (the regular food is just so-so). And, finally, check out the Bee and Thistle Inn in Old Lyme (100 Lyme St., 860-434-1667) for a romantic, upscale meal with strolling musicians on Fridays and Saturdays.
For a good night's sleep en route, some top campgrounds include Totoket Valley RV Park in North Branford; Riverdale Farm Campsites in Clinton; Little City Campground in Higganum; Wolf's Den Campground in East Haddam; Salem Farms Campground in Salem; and Aces High RV Park in East Lyme.
For more options, including several near Gillette Castle State Park, visit Go Camping America's Park Finder.
A couple of terrific places to eat along the way: Bill's Seafood Restaurant in Westbrook (548 Boston Post Road, 860-399-7224) fries the living daylights out of anything, but especially clams and calamari. Great place for kids, right on the water. Also the Griswold Inn in Essex (36 Main St., 860-767-1776), which was built in 1776 and takes its Colonial-ness very seriously, as well as (weirdly) its tapas, served in the wine bar (the regular food is just so-so). And, finally, check out the Bee and Thistle Inn in Old Lyme (100 Lyme St., 860-434-1667) for a romantic, upscale meal with strolling musicians on Fridays and Saturdays.
For a good night's sleep en route, some top campgrounds include Totoket Valley RV Park in North Branford; Riverdale Farm Campsites in Clinton; Little City Campground in Higganum; Wolf's Den Campground in East Haddam; Salem Farms Campground in Salem; and Aces High RV Park in East Lyme.
For more options, including several near Gillette Castle State Park, visit Go Camping America's Park Finder.
The roadtripster is the handle of a longtime Coloradan who travels the country by any means possible, sometimes in an RV, sometimes car camping or in the backcountry, with kids and without.
Obama Vs Netanyahu: Bambi Meets Godzilla
Meadia presents one of the most harsh slap downs of Barack Obama's middle east peace position that I have seen in a while. Not only did Obama alienate Congress members, Democratic and Republican, but now large Jewish Democratic donors are saying they will not help him in his campaign for reelection.Whose word no man relies on.What a perfect description of Barack Obama.
Who never said a foolish thing
Or ever did a wise one.
Teaser:
Where he has failed so dramatically is in the arena he himself has so frequently identified as vital: the search for peace between Palestinians and Israelis. His record of grotesque, humiliating and total diplomatic failure in his dealings with Prime Minister Netanyahu has few parallels in American history. Three times he has gone up against Netanyahu; three times he has ingloriously failed. This last defeat — Netanyahu’s deadly, devastating speech to Congress in which he eviscerated President Obama’s foreign policy to prolonged and repeated standing ovations by members of both parties — may have been the single most stunning and effective public rebuke to an American President a foreign leader has ever delivered.
Netanyahu beat Obama like a red-headed stepchild; he played him like a fiddle; he pounded him like a big brass drum. The Prime Minister of Israel danced rings around his arrogant, professorial opponent. It was like watching the Harlem Globetrotters go up against the junior squad from Miss Porter’s School; like watching Harvard play Texas A&M, like watching Bambi meet Godzilla — or Bill Clinton run against Bob Dole.
The Prime Minister mopped the floor with our guy. Obama made his ’67 speech; Bibi ripped him to shreds. Obama goes to AIPAC, nervous, off-balance, backing and filling. Then Bibi drops the C-Bomb, demonstrating to the whole world that the Prime Minister of Israel has substantially more support in both the House and the Senate than the President of the United States.
OUCH.
Go read the whole thing.
In the meantime, In Israel, Netanyahu's popularity soars after his Washington visit.
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